The structures, located at survey No 1350/2, Khajrana, had reached plinth level when they were knocked down by a removal team led by Removal Officer Dr Rajesh Kothari.

According to sources, the builder also cheated IMC of lakhs of rupees in property taxes by fudging plot details. “The concerned survey no is from Gulmohar Colony but the builder declared the plot as located in Khajrana village and so was levied approximately Rs 3 lakh less in property taxes than she was liable to pay,” disclosed a senior official.

Earlier, two JCB machines and 25 labourers were pressed into service during the three-hour long demolition exercise that got underway at 9 am.

However, no building permission was obtained and, despite this, the builder started work at the site,” Building Officer (BO), Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Saket) zone, Rakesh Sharma said.

“The matter came to our attention once the structures had attained plinth level, columns and beams were erected, and a boundary wall constructed all round the plot. A notice was then served to the builder to stop work immediately and when she failed to respond, it was decided to demolish the illegal structures,” Sharma added.

A team of IMC officials led by City Engineer (Building Permission) GP Pathak and comprising Assistant Removal Officer RS Solanki, BO Sharma and Building Inspector Saket zone Chandrashekhar Sharma reached the site early in the morning and ordered the demolition.